Editor’s tip: This cleanser can tackle oil, sunscreen, and light makeup, but if you have a full face of waterproof cosmetics, we suggest double-cleansing with a cleansing oil or balm. KraveBeauty’s Makeup Re-Wind is an editor favorite with a delightful jelly-to-oil texture that melts everything away.
Key ingredients: matcha, hemp seed oil, coconut-based surfactants, sodium PCA | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a moisturizing, budget-friendly cleanser. | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Face Wash for Combination Skin: DamDam Nomad’s Cream Purifying Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: When commerce editor Sarah Han needs a kick of exfoliation, she says the Damdam Nomad’s Cream Purifying Cleanser is her go-to. “I’m all about hydrating, no-fuss cleansers to kick off my extensive-ish nighttime routine, but the one exception is DamDam’s Nomad’s Cream Purifying Cleanser,” she says. “The exfoliation, powered by an AHA found in Japanese rice and the tiniest granules of Japanese tuber plant, is supremely gentle and leaves my skin feeling so freakin’ soft (and not tight, which is key).”
Editor’s tip: Since this is an exfoliating formula with active ingredients, we don’t recommend using it around your eyes or sensitive areas of skin.
Key ingredients: Japanese tuber plant, phytic acid, tea tree oil | Who it’s for: those with normal, oily, and combination skin that want an acne-reducing cleanser | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Face Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Turegano says Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser “has been a go-to cleanser recommendation by dermatologists for years for those with sensitive skin.” The ingredient list is short and sweet, with purified water and glycerin at the top, and doesn’t include common irritants like dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, soap, and more. “If you deal with eczema, extra dryness, or are allergy-prone to various ingredients, try this one,” Dr. Turegano adds.
Editor’s tip: We recommend pre-cleansing with gentle micellar water or cleansing balm if you’re taking off particularly stubborn makeup.
Key ingredients: water, glycerin | Who it’s for: sensitive and dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Exfoliating Face Wash: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Take it from the professionals: Dermatologists love the Skinmedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, and Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure why. “If my skin is greasy and clogged, I start with SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser,” she attests. “It has gentle beads that help exfoliate in addition to the acids.” On the other hand, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, likes to end her day with the cleanser. “It removes the dirt, oil, environmental pollutants, and debris that accumulate over the course of the day,” Dr. Henry said.
